THE Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency says it has strengthened the country’s investment climate over the past five years by streamlining investment processes across key sectors of the economy and enabling deeper collaboration with global partners.
Speaking at the annual Investor Cocktail in Harare, held to mark ZIDA’s fifth anniversary, chief executive officer Mr Tafadzwa Chinamo said the agency had transformed its institutional capacity and enhanced investor confidence, positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive destination for both regional and global capital.
Mr Chinamo noted that ZIDA’s flagship One-Stop Investment Services Centre (OSISC) has been at the centre of this progress, enabling investors to access licensing, regulatory and advisory services under one roof.
OSISC allows ZIDA to streamline investment registration and licensing lead times from 21 days in the past to seven days as part of efforts to enhance the ease of doing business environment in the country.
It has also amalgamated the services of over 18 government departments to ensure timeous consultations and approval of business licenses.
“This occasion is especially significant as we celebrate five years since the establishment of ZIDA building systems, strengthening investor confidence, and positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive, forward-looking investment destination.
“We have strengthened the One-Stop Investment Services Centre, streamlined processes across key sectors, energy, mining, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, ICT, and infrastructure, and raised Zimbabwe’s profile on international platforms from London to Beijing, Dubai, and Perth,” said Mr Chinamo.
He added that over the past year, ZIDA has succeeded in shortening licensing turnaround times, improving after‑care services, intensifying policy dialogue, and keeping communication transparent.
“Over the past year, we have improved licensing turnaround times, enhanced aftercare services, deepened policy dialogue, and maintained transparent communication.
“Sector-focused promotion has also unlocked new partnerships and reinvestments, reinforcing our commitment to clarity, certainty, and accountability,” said Mr Chinamo
He also unveiled a new Five-Point Plan that will guide its operations in the coming years, prioritising strengthening the investment pipeline, promoting the predictability of the policy environment, enhancing competitiveness, and reinforcing internal systems to ensure operational excellence.
ZIDA chief legal officer Ms Theresa Muchinguri reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to global standards of facilitation and compliance.
“ZIDA reaffirms its commitment to enhance facilitation, strengthen compliance support, and align our regulatory systems with global best practices, ensuring that Zimbabwe remains an attractive and competitive investment destination,” she said.
The agency also acknowledged the role of development partners in strengthening Zimbabwe’s investment ecosystem, acknowledging the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Finance Corporation, the World Bank and Afreximbank, the African Development Bank, United Nations Development Plan, the World Food Programme, and the Organisation for Economic Development, for unwavering collaboration in building a more transparent and competitive facilitation framework.
Through its partnership with UNCTAD, ZIDA launched the e-Regulations Portal, providing investors with clear, up-to-date, and accessible information on administrative procedures.
With IFC and the World Bank, ZIDA is being supported on policy and regulatory reforms for Special Economic Zones, institutional capacity development, and the creation of a stronger pipeline of investments, particularly in agribusiness and renewable energy.
ZIDA indicated that it continues to work with Afreximbank and AfDB on regional integration and investment promotion initiatives, while collaborating with UNDP and WFP on programmes aimed at supporting inclusive and sustainable development.
This comes as Zimbabwe recorded strong investment commitments in the third quarter of 2025.
Total projected commitments reached US$3,26 billion, with the financial services sector contributing US$2,15 billion, accounting for nearly two-thirds of total inflows.
The energy sector recorded US$543 million, reflecting growing investor appetite in renewable energy and power infrastructure.
Mining attracted US$379 million, showing sustained confidence in Zimbabwe’s mineral potential.
Manufacturing contributed US$120 million, driven mainly by retooling, expansion, and value-addition projects.
Harare Province dominated the geographical distribution of commitments with US$2.43 billion, followed by Matabeleland North and South, reflecting a strong appetite for large-scale, high-impact investments in line with national economic priorities.
ZIDA said it will continue to focus on strengthening its systems and working closely with both domestic and international partners to position Zimbabwe as a modern, efficient, and investor-friendly jurisdiction.-herald
